$3.4M NJ program will help people with disabilities get out of nursing homes

The state announced $3.4 million in grants on Wednesday to develop community-based housing for New Jerseyans with disabilities currently living in nursing homes not meant for their needs.

Hundreds of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities landed in these facilities when caring for them at home became too hard for elderly parents and other homes couldn’t be found, according to Disability Rights New Jersey .

But nursing homes lack the resources to properly care for people with disabilities caused by conditions like cerebral palsy and Down syndrome, according to a report DRNJ released last fall . Its year-long investigation showed these placements didn’t meet the residents' medical, physical and psychological needs and often violated their rights under the Americans with Disabilities Act.

"Empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to transition from institutions to community living isn’t just a change in location — it’s about supporting their independence and their right to make their own choices. We look forward to working together with the selected community providers on this initiative," said Sarah Adelman, Department of Human Services commissioner.

The money comes from the federal I Choose Home program that uses Medicaid money to move people back into their communities where they will have more independence and improved quality of life, according to the announcement.

More: Hundreds with disabilities in NJ are forced into nursing homes, new report says

The grants, distributed among seven organizations, will be enough to accommodate 57 people. Each will have their own bedroom. The money can also be used to make the homes accessible and safe, and staffed with trained personnel to help with daily tasks.

This program is part of an ongoing effort by Human Services and the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman to move people out of nursing homes and developmental centers, states the announcement, which added more than 3,800 people moved from institutions into home communities since 2008.

“Providing individuals and families with the choice to live outside of a nursing home or other institution is so very important,” Division of Developmental Disabilities Assistant Commissioner Jonathan Seifried said.

Who recived the grants?

• Allies, Inc , based in Hamilton Township, was awarded $960,000
• Arc of Morris in Morris Plains was awarded $720,000
• Arc of Somerset in Manville was awarded $240,000
• Avidd Community Services of NJ Inc . in Denville was awarded $480,000
• Heart to Heart , which is based in Brooklyn, NY, was awarded $540,000
• Hope Christian Services in Wyckoff was awarded $240,000
• Merakey NJ Inc ., based in Lafayette Hill, Pennsylvania, was awarded $240,000

Gene Myers covers disability and mental health for NorthJersey.com and the USA TODAY Network. For unlimited access to the most important news from your local community, please subscribe or activate your digital account today .

Email: myers@northjersey.com

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This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: $3.4M NJ program will help people with disabilities get out of nursing homes